ILA: All-electric Ce-Liner concept envisioned for 2035

German aerospace research institution Bauhaus Luftfahrt is displaying its concept for a zero-emissions 190-seat aircraft which could potentially enter service in 2035.

Designated the Ce-Liner, the aircraft would rely on twin electric engines supplied by a bank of up to 16 battery containers.

Bauhaus Luftfahrt says forecasts on battery technology suggest a 600nm (1,110km) range should be achievable by 2030 but would cover only 59% of routes in the 180- to 200-seat sector - the category identified as having the largest potential emissions-abatement effects.

By 2035, it states, the technology would allow a range increase to 900nm, raising the coverage to 79%. If the introduction was pushed back further to 2040, the range could even extend to 1,400nm.

Bauhaus says the design goes "far beyond" current all-electric flight concepts. "Recharging the batteries during turnaround is postulated to remain challenging, hence an exchange after each flight is assumed," it adds.

The electric motors and power-transmission wiring would include high-temperature superconducting technology, raising the power-to-weight ratio.

Bauhaus Luftfahrt's future concepts have also included the Claire Liner, a clean-air box-wing aircraft design, and extreme short take-off capability using laminar airflow and integrated wing fans.